Portland Sheep

Portland sheep are on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s list as ‘At Risk’ as their numbers have fallen to fewer than 1500 breeding ewes. They almost became extinct in the early 1900s and, in 1974, the RBST conducted a survey that discovered only 86 breeding ewes of three major bloodlines.

Like a deer, the ewes often hide their new-born lambs in the grass when they go off to feed and you can come across a lamb that you may think is abandoned. However, mum will be watching you closely, if from a distance!

The lambs are born a foxy red, but gradually pale as they grow to produce the very fine, creamy white wool that is much in demand from hand spinners.

The Portland is unusual in that it can lamb at any time of year, but usually produces a single lamb, unlike other breeds where triplets and twins are the norm.

The Portland was used with the Merino to create the popular Dorset Horn breed.

Carcase quality has always been the most important characteristic of the breed and, in the 18th century, Portland Mutton was regarded as an expensive luxury.

Though meat from the Portland is in relatively small, lean joints, the flavour is exceptionally sweet and slightly gamey. Many customers come for miles just for Portland lamb or mutton which is a seasonal addition to our meat supply due to the slow maturing nature of the breed.

The Christmas Hill flock is maintained at about 25-30 pedigree registered ewes and originated from Jo and Michael’s Fuglemere flock which has a strong “Marsden” influence. A small number of pedigree breeding stock is usually available annually.

A small number of pedigree breeding stock are usually available annually. For details contact Jo at christmashill@btconnect.com

There is a Portland Sheep Breeders’ Group which can be found at PortlandSheep.org.uk.

Portland
Portland